GALVESTON, Texas (February 12, 2016) – This spring, pleasant weather on Galveston Island will usher in a plethora of outdoor festivals. Foodies, families and fans of feathered friends will certainly find a reason to head to the island for some fun.

The Grand Kids FestivalApril 2, 2016Galveston can always rekindle the kid in you, but no event will be more exciting for kids of all ages than The Grand Kids Festival hosted by The Grand 1894 Opera House. Designed to introduce children and families to the arts, the event features three blocks of activities, entertainment areas and vendor booths. Attendees will be able to enjoy live performances, storytellers, arts and crafts, face painting and more. www.thegrand.com

Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3April 10, 2016Galveston will host some of the nation’s finest athletes as they compete in the annual Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas triathlon. The race will begin with a 1.2-mile saltwater swim in Offats Bayou followed by a 56-mile bike course along the Gulf Coast and a 13.1-mile run that will lead athletes to the finish line at the Moody Gardens Discovery Pyramid. The Memorial Hermann IRONMAN 70.3 Texas is also a regional IRONMAN TriClub Championship race. www.ironman.com

FeatherFest & Nature Photo FestivalApril 14-17, 2016FeatherFest is one of the largest birding festivals in Texas, and the only one with a dedicated nature photography track. The event features unique outdoor field trips, workshops and social events for nature enthusiasts of all skill levels. FeatherFest is held during the spring bird migration – the best time to visit world-renowned Galveston area birding hot spots, such as Bolivar Flats and High Island. www.galvestonfeatherfest.com

Galveston Food & Wine FestivalApril 14-17, 2016Historic downtown Galveston will be transformed into a wine lover’s paradise for the seventh annual Galveston Island Food & Wine Festival. New in 2016, acclaimed chef, restaurateur and Food Network superstar Chef Robert Irvine will command the stage at The Grand Tasting with an exclusive live cooking demonstration. The event will feature wines from around the world paired with delicious local food, live entertainment and culinary events. www.galvestonfoodandwinefestival.com

42nd Annual Galveston Historic Homes TourApril 29, 30, May 1 and May 6-8, 2016Rich in history and standing as a testament to survival, the Galveston Historic Homes Tour will return for its 42nd year the first two weekends in May. The tour features numerous historical and architecturally significant homes located throughout the island’s vibrant historic neighborhoods. Organized by Galveston Historical Foundation, the event gives the public a chance to tour the insides of private residences and homes that are not open to the public during the year. www.galvestonhistory.org

Red Cat Jazz FestivalMay 5-8, 2016The Red Cat Jazz Festival will feature four days of performances from some of the biggest names in jazz including Michael Philips, Kermit Ruffins, Jonathan Butler and many more. The event will be held at Moody Gardens and in venues throughout Galveston. The festival honors jazz legends, and provides scholarships for up and coming student musicians. Other events during the weekend include a celebrity golf tournament and a women’s conference. http://redcatjazzfest.com

Yaga’s Wild Game & BBQ Cook-offMay 13-14, 2016Galveston is calling all backyard chefs, sportsmen and women, and outdoor enthusiasts to show off their culinary skills at the 20th annual Yaga’s Wild Game BBQ Cook-off. The event will feature a wild game cook-off, live entertainment, silent auction, “Run Wild 5K” and children’s activities. This event benefits the Yaga’s Children’s Fund. www.ycfund.org

Galveston Island Beach RevueMay 20-21, 2016Retro swimwear is chic and vintage is king at the Galveston Island Beach Revue, which will take place for its eighth year. Contestants from across the country will catwalk across Galveston’s historic Seawall shoreline modeling vintage and vintage-inspired swimwear that echoes the “good ole days” of Galveston's summertime history. www.galvestonbeachrevue.com

Spring Performances at The GrandVarious DatesMusic, laughs and acrobatics are highlights this spring at The Grand 1894 Opera House. On March 5 enjoy the vocal styling of a capella group Vocalosity. The Capitol Steps return on March 6 with their blend of musical and political satire. Be sure to catch Cirque Mechanics – Pedal Punk, a dazzling whirl of acrobats, cyclists, and floating trapeze artists on April 3. There are three opportunities to see Mamma Mia, the hit Broadway show based on the music of Abba, May 13 and 14. www.thegrand.com

For a full list of events happening in Galveston this spring, visit www.galveston.com.

About Galveston IslandGalveston Island is a historic beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Houston. The island is best known as a vacation destination, offering 32 miles of beaches, a variety of family attractions, Texas’ premier cruise port and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country. For more information on Galveston Island visit www.galveston.com or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE.